Friday, October 23, 2015

The Dreaded DELE

I've decided to reduce my writing
schedule to every two weeks, because I've got an incredibly difficult
exam coming up next month. The DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua
Extranjera) is a world-recognized official test proving one's Spanish
level. I've been studying since the summer, although only recently
did I up my game.

I don't want to reduce my writing time, because I love doing it, but this exam comes first. As it is, it's really difficult
maintaining my Spanish for this level C1 exam, because of work. I
spend many hours per week speaking and planning English lessons. I'm
so grateful that at least I have a Spanish roomate and I go out with
friends who speak Spanish with me. Although a few want to practise
English, they understand that right now I'm ready to pull my hair out
if I speak even one word of English outside of work.

How I look when studying(except, not like a boy; I try to look hot, actually)

I've been using the book “El
Cronómetro”, because of Cat Gaa's blog. The university has a great
prep course, but it conflicts with my work. And I have yet to find
someone in Jaén who's able to have private class with me to prepare.
They say it's good enough to hire a native Spanish speaker, but I
believe it's best to hire someone who's familiar with the exam. Many
Spanish people aren't.

I'm lucky that my test is based on only
one subject and relatively easy to study for. I have many friends
studying like mad for their oposiciónes (national tests) in
order to get work. A friend of mine, who has studied for oposiciónes
before, put it this way: “Fundamentally, it's like a marathon,
where it seems you'll never reach the finish line, but you must keep
running.” I'm tired, but the end is almost here, so until then I'll
have to put writing aside and concentrate on reaching my goal.